Synopsis'No one can deny Roland is a complete master of his subject' - Colin Wilson ( The Occult) From black magic murders to satanic sex cults, occult expert Paul Roland traces the history of the Black Arts and the roots of these strange and evil practices. This illustrated account includes detailed explorations of animal sacrifice, exorcisms and the influence of Satanism in today's world, from rock music and ritual murders in the USA to other necromantic practices worldwide. Roland asks what evidence is there that demonic entities exist, and, if not, what draws people to these dark practices? Discover: * The origins of our belief in devils and demons * How Hitler and the Nazis invoked the forces of darkness and destruction * The twisted practices of English occultist Aleister Crowley * What attracted celebrities to the Church of Satan and how a curse caused the death of Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield * The part played by American chat show hosts in the Satanic abuse scandal of the 1980s. The Dark History of the Occult examines whether Satanic Forces are simply the emergence of the dark side of human nature, or whether we really do have something to fear - namely, evil. ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Hidden Histories brings together gripping accounts of unexplained phenomena, supernatural sightings, incredible conspiracies and other mysterious experiences which lurk beneath the surface of our known world., What evidence is there that evil entities can possess human beings and force them to commit horrific murders? Black magic murders, Satanic sex cults, and demonic possession are the diabolical practices that grab the tabloid headlines and reinforce the myth that evil and an unhealthy obsession with the occult are to blame for our increasingly violent society. But is the truth even darker and more disturbing? From tribal magic and shamanism, through the work of W.B. Yeats and Aleister Crowley, to black magic rituals and New Age nihilists, The Dark History of the Occult asks whether 'Satanic forces' are simply the emergence of the dark side of human nature, or whether we really have something to fear - namely, evil? Book jacket., Black magic murders, satanic sex cults and demonic possession - tabloid journalists jumps at any mention of the disturbing practices of the occult. Is this unhealthy obsession to blame for our increasingly violent society, or is the truth even darker and more disturbing? This book includes detailed accounts of animal sacrifice, exorcisms and the influence of Satanism in today's world, from rock music and ritual murders in the USA to black magic ceremonies and other necromantic practices worldwide. The Dark History of the Occult examines whether Satanic Forces are simply the emergence of the dark side of human nature, or whether we really do have something to fear - namely, evil.